Tornadoes of 1970
| Timespan | January - December 1970 |
|---|---|
| Maximum rated tornado |
F5 tornado
|
| Tornadoes in U.S. | 653 |
| Damage (U.S.) | >$1 billion |
| Fatalities (U.S.) | 73 |
| Fatalities (worldwide) | >73 |
This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1970, primarily in the United States. Most tornadoes form in the U.S., although some events may take place internationally. Tornado statistics for older years like this often appear significantly lower than modern years due to fewer reports or confirmed tornadoes.
9 tornadoes were reported in the United States in January, including a rare, violent tornado in Australia.
An intense tornado, which occurred near the town of Bulahdelah (100 kilometres (62.1 mi) north-northeast of Newcastle), New South Wales on 1 January 1970, is thought to be the most destructive tornado ever documented in Australia. It is thought to be least F4 or F5 on the Fujita scale, however, no official rating has been made public. The tornado left a damage path 22 kilometres (14 mi) long and 1–1.6 km (0.6–1 mi) wide through the Bulahdelah State Forest. It is estimated that the tornado destroyed over one million trees. A caravan was destroyed and a 2-ton (2,000 kg) tractor was lifted into the air, landing upside down. The tornado was reported by witnesses as a swirling black cloud surrounded by flying debris, and producing a thunderous roaring sound. The weather system that produced the tornado was a classic set-up for violent tornadoes, something somewhat rarely seen outside of the United States, Canada, Bangladesh, and adjacent areas of India.
16 tornadoes were reported in the United States in February.
A small, localized outbreak occurred in Florida, producing eight tornadoes. One tornado, an F2 tornado, caused at least $50,000 (1970 USD) in damages in Fellsmere. Another tornado, which was also rated an F2, touched down in the Gainesville neighborhood of Ironwood, causing at least $50,000 (1970 USD) in damages. Two tornadoes, an F1 and an F2, tracked through Arcadia, both causing $1,000,000 (1970 USD) combined in damages. Overall, there were no fatalities or injuries, and the total amount of damage was $1,615,000 (1970 USD).
...
Wikipedia